After public protests over proposed riverbank development in what is now Meewasin Park, Saskatoon saw the need for an independent agency that would conserve the natural and cultural resources of the South Saskatchewan River valley, preserve public access to the riverbank and provide for balanced development. Negotiations began and on May 4, 1979, the Meewasin Valley Authority was born. Everyone was jubilant.

The stakeholder partners, the Government of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan and, in the early days, the Rural Municipality of Corman Park, had one goal — to work together toward a sustainable and vibrant future for the region’s greatest natural asset, the South Saskatchewan River Valley. Conservation and development would walk in balance with each other, and citizens would learn to appreciate the valley’s natural and cultural resources.

It was a beautiful and progressive concept then, and it remains so today.

Meewasin has been able to respond to that ever-present tension between human activity and conservation needs through its “100 Year Concept Plan “developed by architect Raymond Moriyama and through its more specific valley-wide resource management plan. The MVA is unique in its ability to view the river valley in a holistic manner. There is no other agency to do this.

Meewasin has been extraordinarily successful in its mission. Its activities, especially trail building and interpretation, are now taken for granted. Its presence is part of Saskatoon’s DNA.

Most people, however, will be unaware of Meewasin’s work behind the scenes: negotiating tirelessly for public access to the riverbank as Saskatoon grows; monitoring the plant and animal health of the valley; and helping to mitigate the impact of road development in the Northeast Swale. This is just a sampling. Meewasin is so much more than a regular urban park.

Meewasin has been recognized provincially, nationally and internationally as a model river- valley management authority and conservation agency. MVA has received the Governor General’s Conservation Award and the Canadian Parks Service Heritage Award. It twice was a finalist for the prestigious Australian Thiess International Riverprize, which gives “recognition, reward, and support to those who have implemented outstanding and visionary programs in river restoration, protection and management.”

In tourism circles, Meewasin is known as a major factor in drawing visitors to Saskatchewan and Saskatoon. The Meewasin Valley has been featured in WestJet’s magazine. Its trail system has garnered rave reviews across the continent and was named one of the “Top 10 Greatest Hikes in Canada” by Reader’s Digest in 2012.

But there are dark clouds on the horizon. The MVA’s Interpretive Centre was forced to close this month due to lack of funding, and Meewasin itself is slated for a provincial review.

The future of the agency looks uncertain. Will the work of those early visionaries, seeking a new way of treating our river valley, all be for nought?

In 1979, the province became a committed partner in the Meewasin Valley project, investing in it for the long term. As Saskatoon continues to expand and pressures mount, now is not the time to reduce Meewasin’s ability to fulfil its mandate. The MVA occupies the crucial position of advocate for the river valley, always seeking that balance between conservation and development. Who could argue against such an approach?

Saskatoon city council has written to the government, unanimously supporting Meewasin and recognizing the benefits it brings to the city and to Saskatchewan as a whole. Now is the time for everyone else to step forward and let the province know how much Meewasin means to them, their city and province.

This is a worthy project built upon a common goal. We all need to renew our commitment to that vision first expressed by those far-sighted citizens and councillors back in 1974. Our grandchildren will thank us for it.

Peggy Sarjeant is a resident of Saskatoon. She submitted this viewpoint article on behalf of the Saskatoon Heritage Society.

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Market to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.